Good Fortune Lip Balm in Nepal

Jency, from The World Next Door Market, emailed me this week to say her "Good Fortune Lip Balm was great for the cold and (very) windy condition of Nepal". I'm not sure if I love her email & photos more, or the fact she was there buying fair trade goods to help fight human trafficking.

OKAY, I love the World Next Door's mission more! Here is an excerpt from their blog, and if you're on my shopping list, consider yourself lucky, because their shop is awesome!!

"Well, I returned from Nepal on October 29 and hit the ground running- end of GPS' Robin Hood, fair trade home parties, Normal Palooza- it's been a busy 2 weeks! I had access to internet just a couple of times and so was unable to post anything. This trip was so different from our trip in May, but once again I came back encouraged by what is happening in Nepal to fight human trafficking. It is an honor to play a tiny part in the work there. Being able to meet the women really makes selling products at World Next Door so personal and real. It really is making a difference! These girls are being loved and treated with dignity and respect- some for the first time in their lives. We ate together, laughed, and danced! Even with the language barrier, it was a great time. Visit our website here to see some of the hats and scarves I brought back. I would love to post pictures of their smiling faces but because of security issues when it comes to trafficking, I can't post them on the internet."

Pretty cool huh? Be sure to sign up for their newsletter and receive AWESOME deals and specials via email. We love Fair Trade!!

Women, injustice, and what you can do to help!

I met Will and Beth when I was in South Africa 3 summers ago, serving with a Cincinnati based church. Will and I were on the same "go" team together, and our laid back personalities clicked. Our entire team became a family while we were there, and it has been fun witnessing everyone's continual growth and pursuit of purpose.

I want to introduce you to Will's blog: Social-Compass, and let you read for yourself how he, his wife Beth, and their daughter sold everything and moved to South Africa to help the underprivileged. Yes, it is inspiring, and hopefully will encourage you to seek God's will...even if it sounds crazy at first. I must warn you that God's plans are never easy, and this blog shows you both sides of the coin.

Their mission stirs me to the core, makes me angry, fuels my passion to create change, and knocks me on my knees. Thank God for "change agents" like Will and Beth, who are willing to leave their comfort zones in order to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Okay, now here is the hard part. The injustice, rape, and poverty that exists in our world, and how people are able to turn a blind eye. It is not okay, and we can't continue to act like it doesn't matter to us! Whether in Africa or in our city, it does affect us, and just one person can make a change. Read Will's latest blog: somedays are hard, and get stirred.

Now I ask you: How can you implement fundamental changes in your own life so you can help people around the globe?

You don't have to move to Africa in order to be a part of the solution, but you can financially support change agents and be active in their prayer lives. You can also invest time in a child, widow, or disadvantaged person's life. Giving feels good!

You cannot change what already is, yet you can decide precisely what you will take from it and what you will do with it. No matter what happens, you have the power to make of it what you will. -- Ralph Marston

Hang gliding, my favorite day off!

Hang gliding at Tennessee Tree Toppers was the most fun I have had in awhile. My very knowledgeable flight instructor Clark, gave me a great flight lesson, and then we were off. In tandem gear, we ran off the end of their signature wooden launch, and within 4 steps we were airborne.

I was in heaven as we soared above the multi-colored Tennessee leaves in the Sequatchie Valley. We stayed up for what seemed like a long time as we searched for air pockets to give us lift. We managed to climb to about 900 feet.

My friend Chris, a veteran hang glider, flew beside us. We chased each other in the air, chased hawks, and enjoyed rare moments together. Hang gliding is very safe and fun for all...seriously! I totally recommend you (or your kids) try it for yourself. Clark Harlow is an independent instructor, and is so much fun to work with, so please call him for your own one-on-one flight: 423-949-3396. Plus, check out my other pictures from that day! Life is short...live today...love today!

Open House Success

On November 1st Good Fortune opened our doors to the public for our 3rd annual open house, and it was a huge success! The sun was shining, our doors were open, and hundreds of people mingled around the farm. I had so much fun, and so grateful to you all. Next year, I'll have more employees to help take money and bag packages so I can talk more. Thanks for all your love and support.

Does your soap have lye in it?

Want to know more about Good Fortune Soap? Just ask. Here is a recent question I want to share with you.
"I found your soap and would love to get some for myself and know they will make great Christmas presents for family and friends. Though I've been reading about all natural soap and am a little confused...does this soap contain lye? In some places I read that it is impossible to make soap without lye, and then others say lye free soap. Please help me understand this if you can." Thanks, Nicole

Natural is the best, and although lye is used to make soap, it is not in the final product. Briefly, when the fat and acid combine it creates a chemical reaction called saponification, which changes the make up of both ingredients. The result is neither an oil or an acid, it is soap. Our ingredients are veggie based, gluten free, super luxurious, and made for sensitive skin. I hope this helps clear up your concerns, and you’ll feel the difference for yourself!

My Soap Angel

Meet my employee Teona, she is Good Fortune's Soap Angel. No really, it is her official job title, and she is a real blessing. Here is our story of faith and hope.

Teona and her husband stopped by the studio to shop one Saturday morning. Curiously they sampled the edible lip scrub, and were pleasantly surprised because her son had chapped lips. Before leaving, they signed up for our newsletter to stay in touch.

Later that week I sent out a newsletter with a prayer request for a part time helper, but feared it impossible to find someone capable in my location. Within 24 hours of sending my newsletter, Teona emailed me back and said she had just been laid off and had also been praying. Perfect timing!

On Teona's first day, we worked an incredibly long day and made hundreds of bars of soap. I had never trained anyone to make my secret recipes, but I had no option, and we went for it. This woman is a power house and claims making soap is easier than her last job! She kept up with me, followed directions, offered new suggestions, and blew me away. She is the soap angel.

Another cool thing is her generous spirit and huge heart for God. She decided to work partially for trade since she loved our products so much and knew I had a limited budget. Grateful for her generosity, I told her that I would donate soap in her honor for the hours she traded. Together, we have been able to donate 20 bars of soap for her church's mission trip.

One of my favorite verses is Mathew 7:7. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Are you needing help, but don't see how it is possible?

I suggest you pray first, then ask for help, delegate, and have faith. The right doors will open when the time is right!

Free 2010 calendar with love from Christy & Vicki

Who doesn't love free handcrafted goodies? I sure do, so I am happy to share two beautiful blogs with you today.

First, Vicki Dvorak is an artist and color consultant, who is inspired by beauty and color. I love her style and how she supports so many female artist. She asked my friend Christy to guest blog today. Follow the link to Vicki's blog, Simply Hue, to learn more and receive the free download instructions.

My very dear friend (and talented designer), Christy Eggert, designed a free 2010 calendar you can download, print, and display. Christy's blog, my wings are made of faith, is a beautiful example of God's love and grace.

Just FYI: September's photo comes from the Good Fortune farm. I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009 and even better 2010!